"Only the physical church has been closed, but the spiritual church remains wide open." — Sierra Leone Bishop John K. Yambasu, speaking during a televised Palm Sunday message on the coronavirus containment.
NEWS AND FEATURES
United Methodists fight COVID-19 around the globe
MONROVIA, Liberia (UM News) — United Methodists around the world are fighting COVID-19, continuing important ministries and staying in connection despite social distancing. Efforts in Africa and the Philippines include making personal protective gear, raising awareness in rural areas and busy cities, breaking down myths and using experiences with Ebola to stop the spread of the virus. Communicators for UM News report.
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United Methodist Communications, Discipleship Ministries
Coming soon: Worldwide virtual Easter choir
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A virtual worldwide United Methodist Easter choir will perform "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" by Charles Wesley. Produced by Discipleship Ministries and United Methodist Communications, the video of the choir will be available for viewing or download on Friday, April 10, at www.umcdiscipleship.org and www.resourceumc.org.
Global Ministries
Mission continues despite pandemic
ATLANTA — The COVID-19 pandemic challenges the ways United Methodists usually stay connected in global mission and ministry. To show how the work continues, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries is connecting with faith leaders, health care workers, disaster response coordinators and missionaries for conversations on "Global Mission During a Pandemic." New videos are posted online every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
See videos
Oklahoma Conference
Panel discusses COVID-19 outbreak
OKLAHOMA CITY — In the aftermath of a COVID-19 outbreak in Ponca City, Oklahoma, a panel discusses how it happened and the risk if even small groups get together during this pandemic. Meagan Ewton, editor of publications for the Oklahoma Conference, leads the discussion.
Watch video
No Daily Digest April 9-10
There will be no Daily Digest on Maundy Thursday, April 9, or Good Friday, April 10. The Digest will return on Monday. The staff at UM News wishes you a blessed and safe Easter.
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.
Perkins School of Theology
Preaching to an empty tomb
DALLAS — The Rev. Alyce McKenzie reflects on the challenge this Holy Week presents preachers, given that a pandemic has so many people stuck at home and feeling fearful and sad. "Whatever tomb we are in this Holy Week, it is not empty of God," writes McKenzie, a professor at Perkins School of Theology.
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RESOURCES
Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century
Virtual summit tackles COVID-19 response
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — African Americans are dying at a higher rate from COVID-19 than any other ethnic group in the United States. To better help African Americans deal with this pandemic, United Methodist Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century plans to have its first "Virtual Summit" April 9 at 1 p.m. CST.
To register
RECENT HEADLINES
How a new law helps churches amid COVID-19
Chaplains comfort and share grief during COVID-19
EVENTS
Sunday, April 12
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